Working out with PUSH.tv

I’ve now been working out with PUSH.tv for a week, so it’s time to share my first impressions of the actual workout.

The PUSH DVD contains two workouts, one for the first two weeks, and one for the two weeks after that. There’s also all kinds of extra stuff I haven’t taken the time to explore yet. The cardio could be very helpful if you’re having trouble getting cardio in; these days, I’m biking four or five times a week, so I haven’t gone there yet.

The workout consists of 40 minutes worth of shorter segments (I haven’t timed it, but I’m guessing they’re about 4 minutes apiece). There are warm-up and cool-down segments, and in between those, various strength training exercises, usually two sets for each exercise.

When I signed up, I asked the PUSH system to select a trainer for me, and I got Jessica Smith. I don’t know what the other trainers are like, but I’m really liking Jessica so far. She’s comfortably friendly without being too “chirpy” or annoying. Think “smiling,” not “scowling” or “hooting and hollering”. Some people like the ends of the spectrum, but for me, Jessica’s got it just about right.

The workout itself seems skill-appropriate. The exercises are challenging but not so hard as to be depressing. I’m definitely sweating by the end but am able to follow along. I think that’s ideal considering that the workouts are intended to get progressively harder.

I also like that the exercises are not all “same ol’ same ol’.” I haven’t done a lot of workout videos, but I’ve done a few and it seems like many of them use a standard set of exercises. My PUSH DVD has several exercises on it that I’ve never done before, which helps to keep it interesting.

Now for a few short gripes. I really am generally happy so I’m keeping these brief.

It took a while for me to figure out what the “time-left” bars were on the side of the screen. It would have been nice to have them labeled or explained somewhere.
The animations are a bit… odd. Not bad, just kind of “huh?” Probably makes things more fun, but also more mockable.
I’d prefer to have a quick cue sheet or something so that I’d know in advance what equipment I’d need and in what order. With the step, its risers, the exercise ball, my mat, my dumbbells, and a chair, it’s a lot to shuffle without having a guide.
On a related note, some of the transitions are inconsistent. Most segments give enough time to set up the equipment before launching into the exercise, but a couple jump right in. I really only have trouble with this on an exercise that requires the step on risers; it takes about 15 seconds for me to grab everything and get it set up, and by that time, Jessica’s already underway with the movement. (This isn’t such a problem after a few times through the workout because I know to get it ready, but I’m hoping not to have this learning curve every two weeks.)